Nosocomial Infections: When Hospitals Make You Sick

Nosocomial Infections: When Hospitals Make You Sick

Logically, hospitals are supposed to help you get healthy. But the sad truth is that germs lurk in hospitals. Many patients check into a hospital for one reason, but end up developing what's known as a nosocomial infection or hospital-acquired infection (HAI). At best, these infections can delay a patient's discharge and result in mounting medical bills. At worst, they can be deadly.

The hospital facility may have infrastructure problems (such as poor HVAC filtration or a poorly sanitized room)

Patients may have weak immune systems

To prove that a hospital or doctor is guilty of medical malpractice, your lawyer will have to show that the hospital was negligent. This can be difficult, but not impossible. You should speak to a medical malpractice lawyer who has experience handling HAI-related cases as soon as possible.

In many instances, simply being diagnosed with a nosocomial infection is not enough to win a medical malpractice lawsuit. Your attorney will also have to prove that the doctors and nurses failed to diagnose and promptly treat the infection.

If your lawsuit is successful, you may be entitled to damages, or money to compensate you for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering.

Visit LawyerLocator to learn more about medical malpractice or to locate a med mal lawyer in your area.